“My purpose here today is to present to the City of Omaha and the Omaha Police Department the bust of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena,” said Kent Gade.
On Monday, fallen Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco became the first woman to receive the Enrique Camarena award.
“She gave everything for our city, for our citizens and for the children that will grow up in this city long after we’re gone,” said Officer Jessica Swanson.
DEA Agent Enrique Camarena was kidnapped and killed by the Mexican drug cartel in 1985. No matter how dangerous the task, Camarena did what he did to protect his community. It’s a similarity Officer Jessica Swanson sees between her good friend Kerrie Orozco and Agent Camarena.
“When I heard the quote that he gave to his mom about I believe one person can change our world or change our community, it was truly Kerrie. It was absolutely something Kerrie would have said,” said Officer Swanson.
Not only did Officer Orozco go after the most dangerous offenders on our streets, she went above and beyond what her badge required. She gave her life to our community.
“If you asked her for something, if you needed something, Kerrie was there and she was going to give it to you with all her heart,” said Officer Swanson.
Kent Gade, the National Director of the Elks Drug Awareness Program knew Orozco since she was a freshman in High School. There was no doubt in his mind that someday she’d win the award, he just wished she would be here to receive it.
“Things happen for a reason and now we can build off of Kerrie’s strength, I know we can,” said Kent Gade.
The bust of Agent Camarena will stay at the Downtown Library for six months until it is moved to a permanent place.
